U.S. patent application number 13/120740 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-21 for display for notebook computer and method of making a display for a notebook computer.
Invention is credited to Paul J. Doczy, Steven S. Homer, Jeffrey A. Lev, Earl W. Moore, Mark S Tracy.
Application Number | 20110176269 13/120740 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42073743 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110176269 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tracy; Mark S ; et
al. |
July 21, 2011 |
Display For Notebook Computer And Method Of Making A Display For A
Notebook Computer
Abstract
A display for a notebook computer can include a display panel
and a frame configured to house the display panel. The frame can
have a one-piece construction from a rear surface of the frame to a
front surface of the frame. A method of making a display for a
notebook computer is also provided. The method can include the
steps of providing a frame and inserting a display panel into the
frame. The frame can have a one-piece construction from a rear
surface of the frame to a front surface of the frame.
Inventors: |
Tracy; Mark S; (Tomball,
TX) ; Moore; Earl W.; (Cypress, TX) ; Homer;
Steven S.; (Tomball, TX) ; Lev; Jeffrey A.;
(Tomball, TX) ; Doczy; Paul J.; (Cypress,
TX) |
Family ID: |
42073743 |
Appl. No.: |
13/120740 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
October 1, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2008/078427 |
371 Date: |
March 24, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.26 ;
29/592.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1637 20130101;
Y10T 29/49 20150115; Y10T 29/49002 20150115; G06F 1/1616
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/679.26 ;
29/592.1 |
International
Class: |
H05K 5/02 20060101
H05K005/02; H05K 13/00 20060101 H05K013/00 |
Claims
1. A display for a notebook computer, comprising: a display panel,
and a frame configured to house the display panel, wherein the
frame has a one-piece construction from a rear surface of the frame
to a front surface of the frame.
2. The display of claim 1, wherein the frame is an extruded
frame.
3. The display of claim 1, wherein the frame is made of an aluminum
alloy.
4. The display of claim 1, wherein the frame includes at least one
guide formed in a surface of the frame.
5. The display of claim 4, wherein the at least one guide is an
extruded guide formed in the surface of the frame.
6. The display of claim 4, wherein the at least one guide is
configured to house at least one cable.
7. The display of claim 4, wherein the at least one guide is
configured to position the display panel within the frame.
8. The display of claim 1, further comprising at least one shock
absorbing mount that is connected to the display panel.
9. The display of claim 8, wherein the at least one shock absorbing
mount connects the display panel to the frame by positioning the at
least one shock absorbing mount within at least one guide formed in
a surface of the frame.
10. The display of claim 9, wherein the at least one shock
absorbing mount is held within the at least one guide of the frame
without the at least one shock absorbing mount being bonded or
fastened to the frame.
11. A method of making a display for a notebook computer,
comprising: providing a frame, wherein the frame has a one-piece
construction from a rear surface of the frame to a front surface of
the frame, and inserting a display panel into the frame.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the frame is formed by
extrusion.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one guide is formed by
extruding the at least one guide in a surface of the frame.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of inserting the
display panel into the frame comprises connecting the display panel
to the frame by positioning at least one shock absorbing mount
within at least one guide that is formed in a surface of the
frame.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one shock
absorbing mount is held within the at least one guide of the frame
without the at least one shock absorbing mount being bonded or
fastened to the frame.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a display for a
notebook computer and a method of making a display for a notebook
computer.
[0002] A conventional display for a notebook computer includes a
frame that is made of several parts. For example, a conventional
frame can be made from a rear panel and a front bezel. A rear
portion of a display panel is fastened to the rear panel and a
front bezel is fitted over a front portion of the display panel and
fastened to the rear panel to form a display. Such components of a
display frame have been made from molded plastic, die cast
magnesium, or cold formed aluminum.
[0003] However, such conventional displays can be relatively low in
strength and stiffness. Due to the relatively low strength and
stiffness of the frame, such conventional displays are a recurring
site for failures of notebook computers. For example, a
conventional display may fail or break when sufficient force is
applied to the display, such as a rear surface of the display when
the display of a notebook computer is in a closed position.
[0004] Furthermore, because the frame of such conventional displays
are made of several components, several manufacturing steps are
required to construct the displays, such as providing the rear
panel of the frame, fastening the display panel to the rear panel
of the frame, fitting a front bezel of the frame over the display
panel, and fastening the front bezel to the rear panel.
SUMMARY
[0005] One embodiment of the invention relates to a display for a
notebook computer. The display can include a display panel and a
frame configured to house the display panel. The frame can have a
one-piece construction from a rear surface of the frame to a front
surface of the frame.
[0006] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method of
making a display for a notebook computer. The method can include
the steps of providing a frame and inserting a display panel into
the frame. The frame can have a one-piece construction from a rear
surface of the frame to a front surface of the frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present disclosure will become apparent from the following
description, appended claims, and the accompanying exemplary
embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described
below.
[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a notebook computer,
according to an embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a display for a notebook
computer, according to an embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a frame for a display,
according to an embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 4A is a sectional view of a frame for a display,
according to an embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 4B is a sectional view of a frame for a display with a
display panel installed within the frame, according to an
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 4C is a sectional view of a frame for a display with a
display panel installed within the frame, according to an
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Presently preferred embodiments of the invention are
illustrated in the drawings. In the drawings, an effort has been
made to use like numerals to represent like parts.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, an example of a notebook computer 10 is
shown, according to an embodiment. The notebook computer 10
includes a base 22 and a display 20. The display 20 and the base 22
are connected so that the display 20 and the base 22 can be pivoted
relative to one another about at least one hinge (not shown)
joining the display 20 and the base 22 together.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a display 20, according to an
embodiment. As shown in the example of FIG. 2, a display 20 can
include a display panel 30 and a frame 40. The display panel 30 can
be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or other type of
display panel used in the art. The frame 40 can form an enclosure
for display panel 30, such that the frame 40 houses the display
panel 30.
[0017] The frame 40 can have a one-piece construction. Such a
one-piece construction can provide an improved amount of strength
and stiffness for the frame 40 and the display 20 that the frame 40
is used in. The one-piece construction can provide the display 20
with an improved durability, thus providing the display 20 with an
improved resistance to damage and failure while maintaining a low
weight for the display 20. Furthermore, the one-piece construction
of the frame 40 can make the display 20 simpler to manufacture, can
cause the display 20 to be made in fewer steps, and can cause the
display 20 to be easier to service. For example, as shown in FIG.
2, the frame 40 can have a one-piece construction from a rear
surface 43 of the frame 40 to a front surface 41 of the frame
40.
[0018] As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the frame 40 can be
formed to be a rectangular box. Furthermore, the frame 40 can have
at least one opening at an end of the frame, such as an opening to
insert a display panel 30 into the frame 40. For example, the frame
40 can include at opening 42 at a bottom end of the frame 40 and an
opening 44 (partially shown in FIG. 2) at the top end of the frame
40.
[0019] The frame 40 can be made of metal. By making the frame 40
out of metal, the frame 40 can be imparted with a classic metal
industrial design look. Furthermore, the metal of the frame 40 can
be processed to show the grain pattern of the metal.
[0020] The frame 40 can be an extruded frame. For example, the
frame 40 can be made of metal that has been extruded in the
direction indicated by arrow D in FIG. 2. Due to the extrusion
process to make such an extruded frame, the frame 40 would have a
metallic grain structure that is deformed and elongated in the
direction D of extrusion. An extrusion process can be used as a
low-cost manufacturing process to make the frame 40. For example, a
long, hollow, single workpiece can be extruded and then cut to
length to form the basic shape of the frame 40. Furthermore, such
an extrusion process can implement extrusion tooling, which can be
relatively lower in cost than the tooling used for other processes,
such as, for example, die casting tooling.
[0021] As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the frame 40 can include
an opening 46, such as an opening 46 that is arranged to provide a
view of a display panel 30 within the frame 40. The frame 40 can be
processed to form the opening 46. For example, the opening 46 can
be formed in the frame 40 by, for example, stamping or machining
the frame 40. In another example, the opening 46 can be formed by
computer numerical control (CNC) machining.
[0022] The frame 40 can be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
The use of aluminum or an aluminum alloy provides the frame 40 with
a relatively high strength while providing the frame 40 with a low
weight. In another example, the frame 40 can be made of a 6000
series aluminum alloy. In another example, the frame 40 can be made
of 6061 aluminum alloy, such as, for example, 6061 aluminum alloy
in a T6 heat treated condition.
[0023] The display 20 can include at least one shock absorbing
mount 50. Such a shock absorbing mount 50 can be joined or
connected to the display panel 30 so that the shock absorbing mount
50 absorbs at least a portion of shocks, forces, or stresses that
are applied to the display 20. Thus, a shock absorbing mount can
provide additional protection for a display panel 30 that is housed
within the frame 40 of the display 20.
[0024] As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the display 20 can
include a shock absorbing mount 50 that is joined or connected to
the lateral sides 31 of a display panel 30 and/or the top 32 and
bottom 33 ends of the display panel 30. Such shock absorbing mounts
50 can be joined or connected to the sides and/or ends of the
display panel 30 as means for joining the display panel 30 to the
frame 40, as will be discussed herein. A shock absorbing mount 50
can be made of material that beneficially absorbs shocks, forces,
or stresses transferred to the shock absorbing mount 50. For
example, the shock absorbing mount 50 can be made of an elastomeric
material, such as, for example, rubber. A shock absorbing mount 50
can be joined to a display panel 30 via bonding, fastening, or
other ways used in the art.
[0025] The display 20 can include a top cover 60, as shown in the
example of FIG. 2. The top cover 60 can be made of plastic, a
non-metallic material, or other materials used in the art, such as,
for example, when the top cover 60 includes an antenna and the top
cover 60 must be made of a material that will not interfere with
transmissions from the antenna. Such an antenna can be, for
example, a wireless antenna. The plastic can be, for example, a
high strength plastic. Examples of high strength plastics include
polycarbonate, glass or carbon fiber filled polycarbonate,
polyester, and PPS. These examples can respectively be Lexan,
Verton, Valox, and Noryl, as producted by SABIC. Other examples
include polyamide, such as DuPont's super tough nylon Zytel, and
carbon fiber composites.
[0026] As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the display 20 can
include a base assembly 70. Such a base assembly 70 can be
configured to join the display 20 to a base 22 of a notebook
computer 10. The base assembly 70 can, for example, include at
least one hinge or at least one hinge portion 72 that joins the
display 20 to the base 22. Furthermore, such a hinge or hinge
portion 72 can include a clutch mechanism that is configured to
maintain a viewing angle between the display 20 and the base 22.
The base assembly can be made of, for example, plastic, magnesium,
or other materials used in the art.
[0027] The frame 40, for example, can be formed so that the frame
40 includes features integrated within the frame 40 itself, such
as, for example, a surface of the frame 40. FIG. 3 is a sectional
view of an exemplary frame 40 that includes a guide 48 formed
within a surface of the frame 40. Such a guide 48 can be formed,
for example, by extrusion by configuring an extrusion die to form
the guide 48 in a surface of the frame 40 in a direction of a long
axis of the extruded frame 40. The guide 48 can be configured, for
example, to house at least one cable, such as, for example, a cable
for a wireless device.
[0028] The frame 40, for example, can be formed to include a guide
for a display panel 30 so that the display panel 30 can be
positioned and held within the frame 40. FIG. 4A is a sectional
view of an exemplary frame 40 that includes guides 49 formed within
lateral side surfaces of the frame 40. Such guides 49 can be
configured to position and hold a display panel 30 within the frame
40. Such guides 49 can be formed by the same methods discussed for
the guide 48 above. The frame 40 can also include a guide 48 as
discussed in the examples above.
[0029] As shown in the example of FIG. 4B, the frame 40 can include
protrusions 47 in at least one surface of the frame 40. The
protrusions 47 can serve as ribs or fins to radiate heat from the
frame and/or as grips to aid the handling and installation of the
frame. The protrusions 47 can be formed on one side or surface of
the frame 40, as shown in the example of FIG. 4B, or the
protrusions 47 can be formed on multiple sides or surfaces of the
frame, as is needed for heat transfer and/or gripping purposes.
[0030] In another example, the guide 49 can formed to accommodate a
shock absorbing mount 50. For example, the guide 49 can accommodate
a shock absorbing mount 50 that is joined or connected to a display
panel 30. As shown in the example of FIG. 4B, a guide 49 can
connect a display panel 30 to the frame 40 by positioning a shock
absorbing mount 50 that is joined or connected to a display panel
30 within the guide 49 which is formed in a surface of the frame
40. Thus, the guide 49 can position and hold a display panel 30
within the frame 40 by positioning a shock absorbing mount 50
within the guide 49.
[0031] In another example, a shock absorbing mount 50 can be held
within at least one guide 49 of the frame 40 without the shock
absorbing mount 50 being bonded or fastened to the frame 40. For
example, a display panel 30 with at least one shock absorbing mount
50 can be inserted into a frame 40 by sliding the display panel 30
into an opening of the frame, such as through opening 42 in the
direction indicated by arrow D in the example of FIG. 2, or through
opening 44 in a direction opposite to the direction indicated by
arrow D, so that the shock absorbing mount 50 is inserted into, and
slides along, a guide 49 formed in a surface of the frame 40.
Therefore, the shock absorbing mount 50 can be held within the
guide 49 without bonding or fastening the shock absorbing mount 50
to the frame 40.
[0032] By not bonding or fastening a shock absorbing mount 50 to a
frame 40, the shock absorbing mount 50 can advantageously maintain
the resiliency and shock absorbing properties of the shock
absorbing mount 50. For example, by not using any bonding materials
or fasteners the shock absorbing mount 50 does not implement any
materials, such as a rigid fastener, which can reduce the
resiliency and shock absorbing properties of such a shock absorbing
mount 50. For example, the use of a stiff fastener to join a shock
absorbing mount 50 to the frame 40 could cause the fastener to
transmit shock, forces, or stress from the frame 40 to a display
panel 30, thus minimizing the beneficial absorbing effects of the
shock absorbing mount 50. Furthermore, the lack of bonding or
fastening the shock absorbing mount 50 to the frame 40 means that a
display 20 can be manufactured in fewer steps and can be
manufactured with less material cost. Furthermore, such a display
20 can be made with improved tolerances, such as smaller
tolerances, thus providing a product of improved quality.
[0033] FIG. 4C is a sectional view of a frame 40 that includes a
display panel 30 held by another example of a shock absorbing mount
50. As shown in the example of FIG. 4C, a shock absorbing mount 50
can include lateral flanges 52 that can act to minimize forces
transmitted to the display panel 30. The lateral flanges 52 can be
configured to grip and/or hold the display panel 30 in place within
the frame 40, as shown in the example of FIG. 4C.
[0034] According to an embodiment, a method of making a display 20
for a notebook computer 10 is provided. The method can, for
example, include the steps of providing a frame 40 and inserting a
display panel 30 into the frame 40. The display 20, including the
frame 40 and display panel 30, can be configured and formed
according to the embodiments and examples described herein. For
example, the display panel 30 can be inserted into the frame 40 by
inserting the display panel 30 into an opening of the frame 40,
such as through opening 42 in the direction indicated by arrow D in
the example of FIG. 2, or through opening 44 in a direction
opposite to the direction indicated by arrow D.
[0035] The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention
has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It
is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from
practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and
described in order to explain the principals of the invention and
its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to
utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein.
* * * * *